An introduction to the physical environment of the ocean. Origin and evolution of ocean basins; sea-floor morphology; origin, distribution, historical record, and economic significance of marine sediments; ocean currents, waves, tides, and changing sea level; beaches, shorelines, and coastal processes; marine resources, pollution, and human impacts on the oceans. Students may also enroll in and receive credit for Ocean Sciences 1. (General Education Code(s): PE-E.)

EART 2

Earth Catastrophes

Lower Division

5 units

The role of catastrophic processes in shaping Earth and the environment in which we live. The physical processes causing earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, floods, windstorms, landslides, and meteorite impacts will be described, along with the role played by these rapid processes in the geological and biological evolution of the planet. Interdisciplinary approaches to understanding these phenomena will be discussed. The entire time scale from formation of the universe to the present Earth system will be considered. (General Education Code(s): SI.)

EART 3

Geology of National Parks

Lower Division

5 units

Geologic concepts and processes responsible for shaping our national parks including mountain building, volcanic and earthquake activity, sedimentation, weathering, erosion, and glaciation. An understanding of how geology impacts our lives is emphasized. Appropriate for both science and non-science majors who wish to enhance their knowledge, enjoyment, and appreciation of our national parks. (General Education Code(s): SI.)

EART 5

California Geology

Lower Division

5 units

An introduction to physical geology emphasizing the minerals, rocks, volcanoes, mountains, faults, and earthquakes of California. In-class field trips to study the caves, rocks, and landforms of the campus and the Monterey Bay area. Discussion-1 hour. Concurrent enrollment in 5L is required for majors and minors. (General Education Code(s): SI.)

EART 5L

California Geology Laboratory

Lower Division

1 units

Laboratory sequence illustrating topics covered in course 5 with particular emphasis on rock and mineral identification and map interpretation. Field trip. Laboratory three hours. Students are billed a materials fee.

EART 7

The History of Life

Lower Division

5 units

An examination of the major events in the history of life, from the origin of life approximately four billion years ago, to the wave of extinctions that has decimated plants and animals around the globe over the past 30,000 years. (General Education Code(s): SI.)

EART 8

Planetary Discovery

Lower Division

5 units

A sweeping tour of planets, satellites, and small bodies in and out of the solar system. Focuses on major scientific results from telescopes and spacecraft missions. Topics include planetary system architecture, planetary atmosphere, surface and interior, planetary formation and evolution, astrobiology, extra-solar planets. Open to all students. (General Education Code(s): SI.)

EART 9

Earth History and Global Change

Lower Division

5 units

Over the past 4.5 billion years, planet Earth has evolved in exciting ways. Environments, climates, and life forms have come and gone in fascinating combinations. Course examines changing physical, biological, and climatological conditions through geologic time, beginning with the evolution of the Earth through changes leading to the current state of the planet, and considers prospects for Earth's future. (General Education Code(s): PE-E.)

EART 10

Geologic Principles

Lower Division

5 units

Introduction to the scientific study of Earth, the materials composing it, and the processes shaping it. Topics include minerals and rocks, Earth's internal structure, plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes, oceans and the atmosphere, the formation of landscapes and global change. A one-day, optional field trip is included. Concurrent enrollment in 10L is required for majors and minors. (General Education Code(s): SI.)

Causes and effects of earthquakes. How do we measure, mitigate, and try to predict earthquakes? Plate motion, frictional faulting, earthquake triggering, wave propagation, earthquake damage, related hazards, and other social effects. Hazard reduction through earthquake forecasting and earthquake-resistant design. Class includes one full day weekend field trip to local faults. Advanced algebra and high school geometry recommended. Students are billed a materials fee. (General Education Code(s): SI.)

EART 12

Introduction to Weather and Climate

Lower Division

5 units

Many meteorological phenomena are familiar to us: clouds, fog, rain, snow, wind, lightning, and severe storms. Climate is the sum of weather over long periods and is changing (e.g., greenhouse warming, ozone depletion, urban smog) due to mankind's activities. Conceptual understanding of how and why the present-day atmosphere behaves as it does and how this may change in the future is the primary goal of this course. Offered in alternate academic years. (General Education Code(s): SR.)

EART 20

Environmental Geology

Lower Division

5 units

Introduction to aspects of geology which affect and are affected by humans. Addresses a broad range of topics including resource management, geologic hazards, air and water issues, population and land use, energy costs and effectiveness, and global change, all from a unique geological/environmental perspective. Lectures include strategies for mitigating these issues. Includes a one-day field trip. Concurrent enrollment in 20L required for majors and minors. (General Education Code(s): SI.)

Explores the origin, evolution, and extinction of dinosaurs with emphasis on paleobiology and paleoecology. Covers fundamental paleontological and evolutionary principles, dinosaur anatomy and behavior, the hot-blooded/cold-blooded debate, dinosaur-bird relationships, diversity, and exploits of the great dinosaur hunters. One and a half hour of discussion each week. (General Education Code(s): SI.)

EART 81B

Fundamentals of Environmental Science

Lower Division

5 units

Addresses major issues in physical and biological environmental sciences and provides tools to critically evaluate, debate, and make informed choices regarding one's own impact on the environment. Topics include: climate change, water resources, air pollution, evolution, ecology (from populations to ecosystems), and conservation. Quantitative problem solving is an integral part of this course. (Also offered as Carson College 81B. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) (General Education Code(s): MF.)

EART 96

Academic Success Skills

Lower Division

2 units

Practical, evidence-based strategies for maximizing learning in the Earth and planetary sciences. Introduces how learning occurs in the brain and how you can use those principles to optimize reading, note-taking, problem-solving, and studying. Enrollment is by permission of the instructor. May be repeated for credit.

EART 98

Earth Sciences Internship

Lower Division

5 units

A supervised learning experience involving practical application of lower division Earth sciences knowledge while working with approved companies, governmental agencies, or research organizations. Students consult weekly with supervising faculty and prepare a final report of their work, to be evaluated both by the sponsoring agency and the faculty supervisor. Consult sponsoring agency for enrollment criteria; after instruction on resume preparation and interview skills, student must interview and be selected for internship by approved sponsoring organizations. May be repeated for credit.

EART 99

Tutorial

Lower Division

5 units

Students submit petition to sponsoring agency. May be repeated for credit.

EART 100

Vertebrate Paleontology

Upper Division

5 units

Introduction to vertebrate history, with an emphasis on vertebrate relationships and the co-evolution of organisms and environments. Specific topics include vertebrate origins, systematics and classification, adaptive revolutions, mass extinctions, and the rise and fall of dinosaurs. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements and course 5 or 10 or 20 or Biology 20C, or Anthropology 1. Concurrent enrollment in course 100L is required.

EART 100L

Vertebrate Paleontology Laboratory

Upper Division

2 units

Comparative anatomy and functional morphology of vertebrates, and preservation of vertebrate hard parts, using modern and fossil specimens. Laboratory three hours and one 1-day field trip. Concurrent enrollment in course 100 is required.

EART 101

Invertebrate Paleobiology

Upper Division

5 units

An introduction to paleobiology; the use of fossil evidence to pose and solve evolutionary and geologic questions. Students are billed a materials fee. (Formerly The Fossil Record.) Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements and course 5 or 10 or 20 or Biology 20C or Anthropology 1. Concurrent enrollment in course 101L is required.

EART 101L

Invertebrate Paleobiology Laboratory

Upper Division

1 units

Systematics, ecology, and evolutionary history of the major groups of fossil-forming animals. Laboratory 3 hours and one 1-day field trip. (Formerly The Fossil Record Laboratory.) Concurrent enrollment in course 101 is required.

EART 102

Marine Geology

Upper Division

5 units

Geology of the marine environment. Topics include controls on the types, origin, and distribution of marine sediments; geology of oceanic crust; evolution of continental margins and plate boundaries; introduction to paleoceanography. Discussion: 1 hour. Students cannot receive credit for this course and Ocean Sciences 280. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements,and course 5 or 10 or 20 or Biology 20C.

EART 104

Geologic Hazards

Upper Division

5 units

The recognition, evaluation, and mitigation of geologic hazards: earthquakes and faulting, tsunamis, volcanism, landslides and mass movements, and flooding. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements, and course 10/L or 5/L or 20/L.

EART 105

Coastal Geology

Upper Division

5 units

An investigation of the evolution, morphology, and processes in the coastal zone including the terrestrial (marine terraces, dunes, estuaries, sea cliffs) and marine (beaches, continental shelves, sea level changes, shoreline erosion and protection, waves, tides) components and their interaction. Laboratory: 3 hours. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): course 5 or 10 or 20.

EART 106

Coasts in Crisis

Upper Division

5 units

Comprehensive assessment of the impacts that the human population is having on the coastal zone globally and the diverse ways in which geologic processes and coastal hazards impact human settlement and development in the coastal zone. (General Education Code(s): PE-E.)

Basic tools and techniques used in geologic fieldwork. Preparation, analysis, and interpretation of geologic maps. Nine to 10 days of weekend field trips required, including a six-day geologic mapping exercise. Laboratory: 3 hours. Recommended for courses 120, 130, 150, and required for 188A-B. May not be taken concurrently with course 120, 150, or 188. Students are billed a materials fee. Enrollment is restricted to majors and minors in Earth and planetary sciences and the combined majors with anthropology and environmental studies. Prerequisite(s): Satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements, course 5 or 10 or 20, and 5L or 10L or 20L, or by permission of instructor. Concurrent enrollment in 109L is required. Enrollment limited to 25.

EART 109L

Field Geology Laboratory

Upper Division

2 units

Laboratory exercises essential to the successful completion of fieldwork required in course 109. Topics include topographic maps, Brunton compass, rock identification and description, geologic map analysis, structure section "construction," and landslide recognition. Concurrent enrollment in course 109 is required. Enrollment is restricted to majors and minors in Earth and planetary sciences and the combined majors with anthropology and environmental studies or by permission of instructor. Enrollment limited to 25. (General Education Code(s): PR-E.)

EART 110A

Evolution of the Earth

Upper Division

5 units

Investigation of the processes and mechanisms that have produced the present Earth system, with an emphasis on the temporal evolution of the earth from the Archean to the present. Specific topics covered include cyclicity in Earth processes and the evolution of, and interplay between the planet's crust, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. Prerequisite(s): courses 5 or 10 or 20, and 5L or 10L or 20L, and Mathematics 11A or Mathematics 19A or Applied Mathematics and Statistics 15A. (General Education Code(s): PE-E.)

EART 110B

Earth as a Chemical System

Upper Division

5 units

The chemical properties of Earth materials and the chemical processes by which the planet has evolved to its present state. Specific topics covered include properties of minerals; the genesis of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks; and the linkage between the solid Earth and the hydrosphere. Enrollment is permitted by permission code with equivalent or exceptional background, or if enrolled concurrently in Chemistry 1B. Prerequisite(s): courses 5, or 10, or 20, and 5L, or 10L, or 20L, and Chemistry 1B.

EART 110C

The Dynamic Earth

Upper Division

5 units

Physical processes occurring in the interior of the earth, at its surface and in the oceans and atmospheres including plate tectonics, structural deformation of rocks, and material and heat transport. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): course 5 or 10 or 20; and 5L or 10L or 20L; and course 111 or Mathematics 22 or 23A; and Physics 6A or 5A.

Introduces processes involving water on and near Earth's surface, including meteorology, water properties, surface flows in steams and runoff, flood analysis, ground water, water budgets, sediment transport, erosion, and water quality. Problem set and laboratory each week. Laboratory/field: 3 hours. Students are billed a materials fee. Alternates annually with course 146. Enrollment is restricted to majors and minors in Earth and planetary sciences and the combined majors with anthropology and environmental studies. Prerequisite(s): course 5 or 10 or 20, Mathematics 11A or 19A or Applied Mathematics or Statistics 15A; and Physics 6A/L or 5A/L, or by permission of the instructor. Course 5L or 10L or 20L and Physics 6B/M are recommended.

EART 118

Seismotectonics

Upper Division

5 units

Earthquakes and their relationship to plate tectonics. Topics include seismological analysis of earthquake faulting, types of seismic waves, seismicity distributions, thermal and rheological structure of plates, and seismic investigation of plate dynamics. Prerequisite(s): course 5 or 10 or 20; Mathematics 11B or 19B; and Physics 5A or 6A. Offered in alternate academic years.

EART 119

Introduction to Scientific Computing

Upper Division

5 units

Introduction to solving scientific problems using computers. A series of simple problems from Earth sciences, physics, and astronomy are solved using a user-friendly scientific programming language (Python/SciPy). (Also offered as Astronomy and Astrophysics 119. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): Mathematics 11A or 19A or 20A or Applied Mathematics or Statistics 15A.

EART 120

Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

Upper Division

5 units

Stratigraphic principles used in classifying sedimentary rocks. Fundamentals of sedimentary mechanics. Analysis and interpretation of facies and depositional systems. Introduction to seismic facies and basin analysis. Course includes three Sunday field exercises. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements, and course 110A. Course 110B is recommended as preparation. May not be taken concurrently with course 109.

Course focuses on understanding basic atmospheric weather and climate phenomena starting from the fundamentals of physics and chemistry. Using this approach, covers topics such as atmospheric circulation, precipitation, clouds, storms, urban and regional air quality, atmospheric aerosols, and climate and global change. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): Mathematics 11B or Mathematics 19B or Applied Mathematics and Statistics 15B, and Chemistry 1A, and Physics 5B or 6B. Offered in alternate academic years.

EART 124

Modeling Earth's Climate

Upper Division

5 units

A hands-on course in climate modeling with emphasis on computer programming (Python) exercises. Topics include the physical laws governing climate, the hierarchy of model complexity, parameterizations, using models for prediction versus understanding, and application to past and future Earth climates. Prerequisite(s): Mathematics 11B or 19B and Physics 6B or 5B.

EART 125

Statistics and Data Analysis in the Geosciences

Upper Division

5 units

Project-based introduction to analytical methods, such as univariate and multivariate statistics, cluster analysis and ordination, and maximum likelihood estimation, using a conceptual approach. Introduction to analysis and programming using the R software package. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 225. Offered in alternate academic years. (General Education Code(s): SR.)

EART 127

Measuring Earth's 4.5 Billion-Year History

Upper Division

5 units

Introduces the methodology for measuring the timing of events in Earth's past. Topics include: radiogenic and stable isotopes, chemostratigraphy and paleomagnetism. Case studies focus on reconstructing the timing of major extinction and climatic events in Earth's history. (Formerly Radiogenic Isotopes.) Prerequisite(s): course 110B.

EART 128

Isotopes: Fundamentals and Applications in Earth and Marine Sciences

Upper Division

5 units

Explores the fundamentals and concepts of stable, radiogenic, and cosmogenic isotope chemistry with applications relevant to Earth, marine, and biological sciences. Prerequisite(s): course 110B or permission of instructor.

Introduction to the relationship between tectonic environments and the genesis of rock assemblages, primarily igneous and metamorphic. Examples from California and elsewhere are used to illustrate petrogenetic processes and characteristic petrologic features of rocks from all major tectonic settings. Prerequisite(s): course 110B. Concurrent enrollment in course 130L is required.

EART 130L

Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology Laboratory

Upper Division

2 units

An introduction to optical mineralogy and the petrography of igneous rocks. (Formerly Magmas and Volcanos Laboratory.) Prerequisite(s): course 110B. Concurrent enrollment in 130 is required.

EART 134

Thermochemistry of Geologic Systems

Upper Division

5 units

Introduction to the thermodynamic and kinetic principles with a strong emphasis on applications to Earth materials. Implications for phase equilibria, geothermometry/geobarometry, element partitioning, and physical properties of minerals, magmas, and solutions. Prerequisite(s): course 110B. Offered in alternate academic years.

EART 135L

Practical Geochemistry

Upper Division

5 units

Provides hands-on exposure to geochemical instrumentation with a focus on data collection. Practical labs apply sample imaging, isotopic major- and trace-element measurements to natural samples. Laboratory sessions are supported by instruction, geochemistry, and Earth science. Prerequisite(s): course 5, or 10, or 20. Course 110B is recommended. Enrollment is restricted to majors and minors in Earth sciences and the combined majors with anthropology and environmental studies. Enrollment limited to 12.

EART 140

Geomorphology

Upper Division

5 units

An introduction to the evolution of the Earth's landscape, with emphasis on the processes responsible. Review of climatic and tectonic forcing followed by detailed discussion of weathering, glaciers, hillslopes, wind, rivers, and coastal processes with emphasis on their geographic distribution. One single day and one three-day field trip. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements and course 110A. Concurrent enrollment in 140L is required.

EART 140L

Geomorphology Laboratory

Upper Division

2 units

Laboratory sequence illustrating topics covered in course 140. These extensive laboratory exercises emphasize the quantification of the geomorphic processes and forms, and on the writing of concise summaries of the science in the form of abstracts. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): Concurrent enrollment in course 140 is required.

Explores saturated and unsaturated fluid flow below Earth's surface, well hydraulics, and recourse evaluation and development. Introduces modeling, field techniques, geochemistry, and contaminant transport and remediation. Problem set and laboratory each week; final paper. Laboratory: 3 hours. Students are billed a materials fee. Alternates annually with course 116. Enrollment is restricted to majors and minors in Earth and planetary sciences and the combined majors with anthropology and environmental studies. Course 5L or 10L or 20L and Physics 6B/M are recommended as preparation. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; and course 5 or 10 or 20; and Mathematics 11A or 19A or AMS 15A; and Physics 6A/L (Physics 6B/M recommended); and Chemistry 1A, or by permission of the instructor.

EART 148

Glaciology

Upper Division

5 units

Introduction to the role of snow and ice in the dynamics of the earth surface system. Snow deposition and metamorphosis. Heat and mass balance at snow and ice surfaces. Flow of glaciers, ice sheets, and sea ice. Methods of climate reconstruction. Ice age theories. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements, and courses 5 or 10 or 20; and Mathematics 11A or Mathematics 19A or Applied Mathematics or Statistics 15A. Offered in alternate academic years.

EART 150

Structural Geology

Upper Division

5 units

Principles and methods of analysis of brittly and ductily deformed rocks. Includes descriptions of structures, field analysis of structures, and mechanics of deformation. Three day-long field trips on weekends. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements, and course 110A or 110B; course 109 recommended; concurrent enrollment in course 150L is required.

EART 150L

Structural Geology Laboratory

Upper Division

2 units

Structural analysis of faults, folds, and maps. Use of stereographic projections. Cross section construction and balancing from field data. Concurrent enrollment in course 150 is required.

EART 152

Tectonics

Upper Division

5 units

The processes, techniques, and interpretations involved in the study of active crustal movements; constraints from plate tectonics; horizontal and vertical motions and rates; geodesy, including GPS; stress measurement; image interpretation; fault system analysis; paleoseismicity; fluid effects. Examples from the circum-Pacific. Laboratory-3 hours. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 207. Students are billed a materials fee. Prerequisite(s): course 10 or 5 or 20 and 10L or 5L or 20L, and Physics 5A or 6A or equivalent per instructor permission.

EART 160

Planetary Science

Upper Division

5 units

Broad introduction to planetary science. Topics include the fundamental characteristics of solar system bodies; space exploration of these bodies; formation and evolution of surfaces, atmospheres and interiors of planets, satellites and small bodies. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements, and Mathematics 11B or Mathematics 19B or Applied Mathematics and Statistics 15B; and Physics 5A or 6A.

EART 162

Planetary Interiors

Upper Division

5 units

The chemical and thermal structure and evolution of silicate planet interiors. Topics include equation of state of mantle and core materials, thermal history of the mantle and core, dynamics of mantle convection, geophysical determination of interior structure. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 262. Prerequisite(s): course 160; and course 111 or Mathematics 22 or 23A; and Physics 5C or 6C. Offered in alternate academic years.

EART 163

Planetary Surfaces

Upper Division

5 units

Comparative study of surfaces and atmospheres of planetary bodies in solar system, focusing on comparative planetology and geophysical processes at work, including differentiation, impact cratering, tectonics, volcanism, and geomorphic evolution. Explores terrestrial planets, giant planets and their moons. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 263. Prerequisite(s): course 160. Offered in alternate academic years.

EART 164

Planetary Atmospheres

Upper Division

5 units

A quantitative study of the origin, chemistry, dynamics, and observations of the atmospheres of terrestrial and gas-giant planets. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 264. Prerequisite(s): course 160.

EART 165

History and Geochemistry of the Solar System

Upper Division

5 units

Introduces solar system history and geochemistry. Observation methods and tools discussed include major and trace element geochemistry, geothermometry, radiogenic and stable isotopes. Solar system reconstructed through the examination of meteorites from different parent bodies. Prerequisite(s): course 110B.

Three weeks of summer field study in geologically complex regions in the White-Inyo Mountains of eastern California. Activities include geologic field mapping on topographic and photographic base maps, stratigraphy, petrology, and structure analysis. A fee is required for participation. Contact sponsoring agency for details. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; courses 109/L, 110A/L, and 110B/M. Enrollment is restricted to Earth sciences majors. Concurrent enrollment in course 188B is required. Interview only via application filed with department. (General Education Code(s): PR-E.)

EART 188B

Geographic Information Systems with Applications to the Earth Sciences

Upper Division

5 units

Introduction to basic principles of geographic information systems (GIS). Visualization of earthscapes with applications to problem-solving in the Earth sciences. Laboratory exercises in loading, manipulation, and interpretation of data sets. Field investigations of phenomena visualized in laboratory, including geological description, interpretation, and written report preparation. Lecture and laboratory portions of course occur during spring quarter. Field investigations and report-writing occur in the summer following spring quarter. A fee is required for participation. Contact sponsoring agency for details. Prerequisite(s): satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements; courses 109/L, 110A/L, and 110B/M. Enrollment is restricted to Earth sciences majors. Concurrent enrollment in course 188A is required. Interview only via application filed with department. Enrollment limited to 25.

Faculty research activity, analytic facilities, and career counseling in three separate Earth sciences laboratories are offered with varied formats including field trips, discussions, and equipment demonstrations. Three different faculty participate in each offering. Enrollment is restricted to Earth sciences, Earth sciences/anthropology, and environmental studies/Earth sciences majors. Enrollment limited to 24. May be repeated for credit.

EART 191A

Climate Change Science and Policy

Upper Division

5 units

Explores the scientific basis of current and pending climate change, and the state of climate policy issues in California, the nation, and the world. Work includes foundational lectures on both public policy and climate science; additional guest lectures from policy makers, politicians, and scientists. Students are introduced to and become familiar with addressing climate-change issues from both policy and scientific perspectives; research papers and public presentations are required activities. (Formerly course 191.) Prerequisite(s): Satisfaction of the Entry Level Writing and Composition requirements. Enrollment is restricted to senior majors in Earth sciences and the combined major with anthropology.

EART 191B

Planetary Capstone

Upper Division

5 units

Examines a crosscutting topic in planetary sciences (e.g., volcanism) to satisfy the senior capstone requirement. Students are assessed on the basis of an oral presentation and a written report in which a synthetic review is present. (Formerly course 193.) Prerequisite(s): course 160, and course 111 or Mathematics 22. Enrollment is restricted to seniors and graduate students.

Provides a comprehensive overview of key concepts, dominant paradigms, and research frontiers in Earth and planetary sciences in plenary talks by multiple faculty. Provides a required foundation course for all incoming students pursuing graduate degrees in Earth and planetary sciences. Students are billed a materials fee. Enrollment is restricted to Earth sciences graduate students.

EART 206

Great Papers in the Earth Sciences

Graduate

5 units

Exposure to the most important ideas in the Earth sciences through exploration of the primary literature. Seminal papers in different subdisciplines of the Earth sciences are read and analyzed to provide breadth and improve students' ability to think critically. Enrollment is restricted to Earth sciences graduate students.

EART 207

Tectonics

Graduate

5 units

An overview of tectonic theory and processes for application to the Earth sciences. The course explores the primary tools of tectonic interpretation including plate kinematics, rheology, plate boundary dynamics, and the behavior of active fault systems. Taught in conjunction with course 152. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 152. Prerequisite(s): graduate standing or permission of instructor.

EART 208

Methods in Paleoclimatology

Graduate

5 units

Addresses methods used to reconstruct aspects of paleoclimates and paleoenvironments from the geologic record, focusing primarily on terrestrial records. Topics to be covered include dendrochronology and dendroclimatology, paleopalynology, paleobotany, ice cores, and paleosol studies. Lectures, discussions, and laboratory work. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Offered in alternate academic years.

EART 210

Overview of Stellar and Planetary Formation and Evolution

Graduate

5 units

Overview of current understanding of star and planet formation and evolution. Examines our solar system in the context of the galactic planetary census. Provides a uniform introduction to astronomy and Earth science planetary students. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

EART 213

Biogeochemical Cycles

Graduate

5 units

Overview of biogeochemical cycles, present and past, and geochemical models. Topics include: marine, terrestrial, and global views of the carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, silicon, sulfur, and oxygen cycles, and the evolution of these cycles and Earth's redox balance through geologic time. (Also offered as Ocean Sciences 213. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Upper-division undergraduates may enroll with instructor approval. College-level chemistry and an upper-division course in at least one relevant discipline are recommended.

EART 220

Ground Water Modeling

Graduate

5 units

Introduction to building and using models to solve hydrogeologic problems. Modeling methods include mainly analytical and finite-difference. Emphasis on using models rather than the details of their functioning, although some coding is required. Comfort with mathematical methods and computers expected. Course designed for graduate students, but available to qualified Earth science majors. Prerequisite(s): graduate standing or permission of instructor required. One year of calculus and courses in differential equations and basic hydrologic principles are recommended as preparation. Offered in alternate academic years.

EART 225

Statistics and Data Analysis in the Geosciences

Graduate

5 units

Using a conceptual approach, this course is a project-based introduction to analytical methods, such as univariate and multivariate statistics, cluster analysis and ordination, and maximum likelihood estimation. Introduces analysis and programming using the R software package. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 125. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

EART 227

Measuring Earth's 4.5 Billion Year History

Graduate

5 units

Introduces the methodology for measuring the timing of events in Earth's past. Topics include: radiogenic and stable isotopes chemostratigraphy and paleomagentism. Case studies focus on reconstructing the timing of major extinction and climatic events in Earth's history. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 127. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

EART 229

Isotopic Methods in Environmental Science

Graduate

5 units

Explores how natural variations in stable isotope ratios answer questions in ecology, paleobiology, and other environmental sciences. Format includes lectures by the instructor and student presentations on applications following literature-based research on each topic. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

EART 240

Communicating Science

Graduate

3 units

Introduces inquiry-based instructional strategies for communicating a passion for science. These strategies, combined with content knowledge and enthusiasm for sharing it, equips college students to introduce science to K-8 students and teachers in local schools. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

EART 254

The Climate System

Graduate

5 units

Focuses on atmospheric and oceanic processes that are important within the Earth's climate system, especially those that operate on annual to centennial time scales. Format includes lectures by the instructors, paper readings, and discussion. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Offered in alternate academic years.

EART 258

Deep Time Paleoclimates

Graduate

5 units

Weekly lectures/readings/presentations focused on the key events in the long-term evolution of Earth's climate (i.e., before the Pliocene), including early Archean, faint, young-sun period; Proterozoic snowballs; Paleozoic glaciations and greenhouse events; the mid-Cretaceous oceanic anoxic events (OAEs); and Paleogene thermal maxima and glacial intervals. Considerable emphasis on evaluating the proxies of climate and mechanisms of climate change (e.g., greenhouse gasses, paleogeography). Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Offered in alternate academic years.

The chemical and thermal structure and evolution of silicate planet interiors. Topics include equation of state of mantle and core materials, thermal history of the mantle and core, dynamics of mantle convention, geophysical determination of interior structure. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 162. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Offered in alternate academic years.

EART 263

Planetary Surfaces

Graduate

5 units

Comparative study of surfaces of planetary bodies in our solar system, focusing on comparative planetology and geophysical processes at work, including differentiation; on-impact cratering; tectonics; volcanism and geomorphic evolution; and exobiology. Explores terrestrial planets, giant planets and their moons, and trans-Neptunian objects, focusing on modern exploration. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 163. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Offered in alternate academic years.

EART 264

Planetary Atmospheres

Graduate

5 units

Quantitative study of the origin, chemistry, dynamics, and observations of the atmospheres of terrestrial and gas giant planets. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 164. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students.

EART 265

Order of Magnitude Estimation

Graduate

5 units

Practice in making rough estimates and leading-order approximations in physical and chemical processes. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Offered in alternate academic years.

EART 266

Geologic Signal Processing and Inverse Theory

Graduate

5 units

Theoretical and practical aspects of digital signal analysis including data sampling, spectral estimation, digital filtering, statistical estimation, correlation tools, and principle-component analysis. Emphasis on practical examples of geophysical time series. Multivariable calculus and linear algebra are required and used extensively in the course. Taught in conjunction with course 191C. Students cannot receive credit for this course and course 191C. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. May be repeated for credit.

Students and instructor lead discussions of recent and significant publications in geophysics and chemistry of deep Earth. Articles structured around current theme of interest are selected by participants and approved by instructor. Emphasis on defining multidisciplinary significance of each article and its relationship to fundamental processes in deep Earth, including core and mantle. Designed for graduate students but available to qualified Earth sciences majors. May be repeated for credit.

Why do earthquakes happen? Topics include friction, fracture, earthquake triggering, stress in the crust, observed source scalings, and seismicity statistics. Emphasis on observations and current research topics. (Formerly course 290J, Topics in Earthquake Physics.) Enrollment is restricted to graduate students and advanced undergraduates.

EART 275

Magnetohydrodynamics

Graduate

5 units

Studies the interaction of fluid motion and magnetic fields in electrically conducting fluids, with applications in many natural and man-made flows ranging from, for example, planetary physics and astrophysics to industrial metallurgic engineering. (Also offered as Applied Math and Statistics 275. Students cannot receive credit for both courses.) Prerequisite(s): Applied Mathematics and Statistics 107 or 217. Applied Mathematics and Statistics 227 suggested. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Offered in alternate academic years.

EART 278A

Advanced Seismology

Graduate

5 units

Elastic wave propagation. Advanced topics in ray theory, WKBJ solutions in seismology, singularities and nonlinearities, surface wave theory, propagating matrices, normal modes, and inversion theory. Selected topics in time series analysis and seismic signal processing, seismic wave dispersion. Course is designed for graduate students but available to qualified Earth sciences majors. Physics 110B and 114B are recommended as preparation. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. May be repeated for credit.

Advanced review of the physics and chemistry of ice and snow. Mass and heat balance of ice masses. Motion of glaciers and ice sheets. Subglacial and englacial hydrology. Thermodynamics of ice masses and the linkage to climate. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. May be repeated for credit.

EART 290C

Topics in Geophysics

Graduate

5 units

Different problems and approaches will be stressed from year to year such as geotectonics, paleomagnetism, or properties and processes in the mantle and core. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified Earth sciences majors by permission of instructor.

EART 290D

Petrology and Plate Tectonics

Graduate

5 units

Selected topics illustrating relationships between igneous and metamorphic rocks and plate tectonics are explored in detail. Designed for graduate students but available to qualified Earth sciences majors. May be repeated for credit.

EART 290E

Topics in Planetary Science

Graduate

5 units

We examine one well-defined topic in planetary science, beginning with a summary of current knowledge and concluding with the latest research literature. Topics will vary from year to year and may include planetary collisions, terrestrial planets, origin of planetary systems, small bodies, the New Mars, and satellites of Jupiter. Achievement will be evaluated based on class participation, exams, and a research project. Open to undergraduate majors with permission of instructor. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. May be repeated for credit.

EART 290F

Topics in Coastal Processes

Graduate

2 units

Instructor and students lead discussions and make presentations on current research, problems, and publications in coastal processes. These topics include littoral drift, sediment transport and storage on the inner shelf, shoreline erosion/change and its documentation, and related issues. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. May be repeated for credit.

EART 290G

Topics in Global Tectonics

Graduate

5 units

Explores different problems of special interest in global tectonics with the approach of integrating marine and terrestrial geologic and geophysical information. Course designed for graduate students but available to qualified Earth sciences majors. May be repeated for credit.

EART 290H

Topics in Hydrogeology

Graduate

5 units

Selected topics in groundwater, hydrothermal systems, and related subjects. Discussion of theoretical models, field and laboratory approaches, and recent research. Topics vary from year to year. Course designed for graduate students but available to qualified Earth sciences majors. Offered in alternate academic years. May be repeated for credit.

EART 290I

Topics in Geomorphology

Graduate

5 units

Discussion of journal articles focused on a theme in contemporary geomorphology. Topics include: coupling of climate; tectonics and landscape evolution; mechanics of bedrock river channels; fundamentals of fluvial gravel transport; and inference of tectonic rates and processes from analysis of topography. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students; qualified undergraduates may enroll by permission of instructor. May be repeated for credit.

EART 290K

Paleontology Seminar

Graduate

3 units

Seminar discussion based on current readings in the literature around some topic in the history and evolution of life. Course designed for graduate students but available to qualified upper-division science students. Offered in alternate academic years. May be repeated for credit.

EART 290L

Topics in Climate Change

Graduate

5 units

Explores current issues and recent developments in the field of past, present, and future climate change. Topic is different each year, but focuses on the interaction between different components of Earth's environment and the effect of that interaction on climate change. Designed for graduate students but open to qualified undergraduates. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. May be repeated for credit.

Selected topics encompassing the physics and chemistry of Earth's interior, planetary physics, high-pressure experimental geophysics and material properties at high pressure and temperature. Topics vary from year to year. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students and qualified Earth sciences majors by permission of instructor.. May be repeated for credit.

EART 290P

Interdisciplinary Topics in the Earth Sciences

Graduate

5 units

An understanding of the chemical and physical properties and processes in the earth is sought by integrating information from several subdisciplines in the Earth sciences. Topics vary from year to year, focusing on areas of active research. Course designed for graduate student but available to qualified Earth sciences majors. Prerequisite(s): graduate standing or permission of instructor. Course is designed for graduate student but available to qualified Earth sciences majors. May be repeated for credit.

EART 290Q

Topics in Outer Solar System

Graduate

5 units

Exploration of the planets and satellites beyond the asteroid belt, with an emphasis on the underlying physical processes at work. Course includes lectures, computer practicals, and student presentations. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. May be repeated for credit.

EART 290R

Topics in the Chemistry and Physics of the Earth

Graduate

5 units

Explores problems and current research developments in the application of physics and chemistry to planetary interiors. Topics differ from year to year and include, but are not limited to, research related to the accretion, differentiation, evolution, and structure of the terrestrial planets. Course is designed for graduate students but available to qualified Earth sciences majors. May be repeated for credit.

EART 290T

Current Research Topics in Paleoceanography and Paleoclimatology

Graduate

5 units

Students and instructor lead discussions of recent and significant problems in paleoceanography and paleoclimatology. Articles structured around current themes of interest are selected by the instructor. Emphasis on major climatic transitions or events which noticeably influenced evolution of biota. Course is designed for graduate students but available to qualified Earth sciences majors.

EART 290U

Topics in Thermochronology

Graduate

5 units

Surveys the use of thermochronometry to quantify the rates of tectonic processes. Topics include heat conduction and diffusion; radioactive decay; analytical methods; and modeling of thermochronologic data. Seminars review seminal papers from the literature. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. Enrollment limited to 20.

EART 290X

Topics in Modeling Planetary Interiors

Graduate

5 units

Introduces computer modeling of thermal convection in planetary interiors. Students learn to write and run a basic computer code using spectral and finite-difference methods, then are shown how to improve the numerical method and physics. Basic computer programming experience is required (for example, in Fortran, C, IDL, or MATLAB). Course is designed for and enrollment restricted to graduate students, but available to qualified science majors. May be repeated for credit.

Weekly seminar series covering a broad spectrum of topics in the Earth sciences. Graduate students give 15- to 20-minute oral presentations on current or anticipated research. Enrollment is restricted to graduate students. May be repeated for credit.

EART 298

Earth Sciences Internship

Graduate

5 units

A supervised learning experience involving practical, graduate-level application of Earth sciences through working with approved companies, governmental agencies, or research organizations. Students consult weekly with supervising faculty and prepare a final report of their work. Consult sponsoring agency for enrollment criteria. After instruction on resume preparation and interview skills, students must interview and be selected for internship by approved sponsoring organizations.

ESCI 30

Biological Principles of Environmental Sciences

Lower Division

5 units

Introduction to biology and ecology for environmental sciences, focusing on the role of biological organisms within the Earth system. Topics span molecular/organismal interactions, such as photosynthesis and respiration, to global biogeochemical cycles including the role of microbes, net community production, and contaminant distributions. (General Education Code(s): PE-E.)

ESCI 191

Capstone Seminar

Upper Division

5 units

In-depth exploration of a topic within the environmental sciences. Involves at least one research paper. Topics vary quarterly; consult the current course listings. Enrollment is by application with selection based on appropriate background and academic performance and by consent of the instructor. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Prerequisite(s): courses 110A and 110B. Enrollment is restricted to environmental sciences majors in their final year of study. Enrollment limited to 20.

ESCI 195

Senior Thesis

Upper Division

5 units

Students complete their senior thesis research projects and submit their thesis in the form of a research paper that is appropriate for submission to a relevant journal or conference. Satisfies the senior comprehensive requirement. Students submit petition to sponsoring agency.